What does Augusta's homebuyer program offer?
Augusta-Richmond County is a consolidated government, and its Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) runs the Augusta Homeownership Assistance Program. It is open to low- to moderate-income first-time buyers using the federal definition, and the help comes as a deferred loan. The amount is where the city's own documents disagree: the program manual revised in June 2025 says $1,000 to $10,000, while the city's web page still says assistance does not exceed $5,000. Ask HCD which figure applies when you apply.
The rules follow HUD guidelines. Income limits come from federal tables in the manual, and the purchase price cannot exceed 95% of the area median purchase price. You must be employed with satisfactory credit, finish pre-purchase counseling, use a participating lender and put down at least $500 in earnest money. HCD inspects the home and runs a HUD lead-safe visual assessment.
Because the city program is modest, many Augusta buyers pair the decision with Georgia Dream. Richmond County School System staff, Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies and Augusta Fire Department employees can look at PEN, which the Richmond County guide covers along with the $475,000 statewide price limit. A loan officer can confirm whether the city loan and a Georgia Dream loan can be used together. Start with the eligibility check, and read the first-time buyer steps guide so the counseling and inspection fit your timeline. The city lists a 2025 income table and price limit table in its manual, so ask HCD for the current versions before you make an offer.
Run by the city of Augusta
Augusta Homeownership Assistance Program
Open nowAugusta-Richmond County
- For
- Low- to moderate-income first-time buyers (federal definition)
- Amount
- $1,000 to $10,000 per program manual (rev. 6/2025); the web page still says not to exceed $5,000
- Kind
- Deferred loan, due when you sell or refinance
- Income cap
- Federal (HUD) income guidelines; 2025 table in program manual
- Price cap
- 95% of area median purchase price (HUD limit; table in manual)
- First-time buyers only?
- Yes
- Also required
- Must be employed with satisfactory credit; pre-purchase counseling; participating lender; HCD inspection and HUD lead-safe visual assessment; earnest money min $500
Amount conflict between web page ($5,000) and manual ($10,000). Manual: https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/778/DPA%5FProgramManual
Last checked November 2026 · our sources
Check whether I fitHelp from the state
On top of the city options, Augusta buyers can look at 2 statewide programs, Georgia Dream PEN among them. Browse all Georgia programs or let the program matcher sort them.
The county guide for this city: Richmond County.
Homebuyer classes near Richmond
HUD's directory doesn't list an approved counseling agency within 50 miles of Richmond County. That's alright. Most programs will take a HUD-approved class you do online, and your lender can tell you which one to pick.
Which class will count for you? Ask the lender. Someone who works with Georgia programs knows which class your program takes, and can begin your pre-approval during the same conversation.
Find me a lender
Questions from Augusta buyers
Is the Augusta program $5,000 or $10,000?
The program manual (rev. 6/2025) says $1,000 to $10,000, but the city web page still says not to exceed $5,000. Confirm the current amount with Augusta HCD.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer?
Yes. The program serves low- to moderate-income first-time buyers under the federal definition.
Will the city inspect the home?
Yes. HCD inspects the property and does a HUD lead-safe visual assessment.
